Subscribe To

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ignorance was bliss. Thanks to my dearest friend Danielle, who first opened my eyes to the toxins in our world and has led me to read countless articles and books, I am officially crazy when it comes to toxic plastic toys and cosmetics, etc. The lastest: trying to put together an Easter basket for Alessia. I bought her a beautiful wicker basket, lined with adorable fabric, but it is still empty. I went shopping today to get some fillers. I originally wanted to make her some fabric eggs, filled with all sorts of noise making goodies, but then realized that the only store around me that sells fabric is Wallmart, and I fiercely boycott that store, so refused to go there. Option 2: decorate some wooden eggs. So off to Michaels, but the only had a few and they were way too expensive. Plus then I started to get all anxious thinking about what kind of paint I would use. So I went next door to Target and had an axiety attack in the Easter section. I must've picked up 3 or 4 bags of plastic eggs, but just couldn't bring myself to buy them. I just kept looking at the "made in China" and freaking out, picturing toxic chemicals leeching out into the baby's skin (ala the green cold germs from the Lysol commercials). I couldn't even find anything in the toy section that I could buy her without freaking out. I just don't trust anything that was made in a country that knowingly put a toxic chemical in the infant formula because it was cheaper than putting real protein in it - they killed so many innocent children. And I'm supposed to buy toys from them?? Don't remember if I blogged it, but back in October, I spent almost an hour staring at spoons and bowls in Babies R Us, trying to figure out which ones were BPA free (prior to all the labels). I know that she doesn't really put toys in her mouth, but the two don't differ at all in my mind. Then tonight one of my sweet neighbors came up with an Easter basket and I just cringed at the site: plastic basket filled with plastic "grass" and plastic eggs. The exact cause of my anxiety attack at the store. And of course Alessia loved it all, especially the "grass". But what was I to do? My family does this to me to - "I know you said no plastic toys, but is this one ok?" as she's given a gift with no receipt. And I'm not going to be a bitch and say no, but you know I'm thinking it. What am I supposed to do? I still haven't figured out what do put in her basket. Or in my cousins' baskets. I can't be a hipocrit and buy them things I consider toxic. Any green, nontoxic ideas?

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I've had my eyes opened to this reality, but there was a lot less anxiety in my life when I was naive.

Hey - I just stumbled across your blog. Reading this post was kind of funny to me because I realize that I sound exactly the same! My daughter, Lilah is only four months and I am often teased by friends and relatives about how I don't want her to have plastic toys (they think she's going to be a five year old social outcast because her toys will all be cloth and wooden...haha). Anyway - I know easter is over - but you should check out www.etsy.com. Everything is handmade (you can even buy local) and there are lots of non-toxic, unique items!